New guy in the Seattle area

[dan777]

Man, I'm learning a ton from this site. I'm taking apart my 1968 camaro right now, and already I've picked up great ideas and guidance. The car is a 1968 SS396 L78 with the M22 4 speed and original from the factory 4.56 posi 12 bolt. I bought the car with 3000 miles on it in November of 1968 for $3300, I think the list was around $4100. I didn't drive the car much over the years with the 4.56 gears, but it was quick. I did some drag racing with the car in the early 70s, turning a best time in the 1/4 of 12.20 (still have the time slip in the console ashtray). That was with a stock engine except for double pumper mod on the 780 holley, headers and slicks.
The plan now is to go Pro-tour. I'm planning a Speedtech front subframe, Speedtech rear torque arm suspension, and 13/14 brakes all around. Bore/stroke the engine to 454 or so, aluminum heads, possible EFI, keep the M22 and 4.56 but add Gear Vendors overdrive for easy cruising, SS gas tank, custom exhaust, custom 2 tone paint similar to the Silver Spur and Razor camaros, upgrade the sounds, DSE subframe connectors and tubs, VintageAir A/C. I'll be doing a lot of the work myself except for paint and body, so progress will be slow but hopefully steady. Thanks to this site and all the great cars and ideas!

[camcojb]

great car and very impressive you've owned it that long. Welcome to the site.

[dan777]

Thanks, Jody. I'll have some pics up soon.

[Sieg]

I like your plan! Congrats for holding the car that long, once completed it will start paying you big dividends. SpeedTech Tobin at Kore3 Seriously consider a T56........will the Gear Vendor fit with the torque arm?

Looking forward to following this one.

[youthpastor]

Welcome to the site. We have quite a few cars around here in the Northwest- stop in and say hi if you are down in Puyallup- Chris

[dan777]

I'll have to do some checking on the fit issue, Sieg. The overdrive hangs down 4.25 inches from the driveshaft centerline, so it may be tough. I really like the idea of keeping the numbers matching M22 rock-crusher - it's monster strong, and the overdrive will handle up to 1200 hp.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by dan777

I'll have to do some checking on the fit issue, Sieg. The overdrive hangs down 4.25 inches from the driveshaft centerline, so it may be tough. I really like the idea of keeping the numbers matching M22 rock-crusher - it's monster strong, and the overdrive will handle up to 1200 hp.

Call Blake at SpeedTech on the GV.

The tranny really depends on your primary useage. You can keep the M-22 on the shelf safe and sound. For my desired useage and location the T56 Mag is ideal as lap times and cruise rpm's are a priority over 1/4 mile times.........simply an individual preference.

[dan777]

All good points, Sieg, and I'll call Blake tomorrow.

[dan777]

I talked to Blake at Speed Tech today...great source of info. I also stayed up for hours last night checking out the Keisler site with their ratio comparison charts. Bottom line, at least at this point in my thinking, is that not only will it be unlikely that the Gear Vendor overdrive would fit with the torque arm, but the T56 is a better deal anyway with the better overdrive ratio and the improved shifting compared to the M22. It's going to be a few months before I'm at the stage where a new trans is needed...any opinions on waiting for the Keisler SS700? And thanks Sieg for the heads up.

[zleehw]

I am new myself to this Forum, there are many people in our area that can provide help, info, suggestions and more. Let see some pictures.